In the Spotlight: Keshawn Long

Keshawn Long has been a hazardous materials instructor since 2017, but his hazmat experience began during service in the Alabama Air National Guard (ANG).

Long, the Center for Domestic Preparedness’ 2022 Instructor of the Year,   served 18 years with the ANG’s 117th Air Refueling Wing, retiring with the rank of master sergeant. During his time in uniform, he deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and responded to several natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak in Alabama. He also served as the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the state guard’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team.

Following retirement, Long earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in emergency management from Jacksonville State University. Since becoming an instructor at the CDP’s Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and Radiological Training Facility, he has accumulated more than 100 entries into its live agent training area.

“Providing responders with the best environment in which to train is our responsibility and duty to the nation,” said Long.